Kingwood early voters have something to crow about

Harris County Clerk of Court Beverly Kaufman confirmed that Kingwood was leading the pack of early voters in Harris County precincts with Cypresswood coming in second.

Kaufman said that as of Friday, March 1, a total of 600 Kingwood residents have taken advantage of early voting.

"So far, there have been 45 Democrats who have voted and 555 Republicans in District 127," said Kaufman. "Kingwood is definitely in first place for early voting in Harris County. Cypresswood is close with 495 early votes, 58 of those being Democrats and 437 Republicans."

Despite freezing temperatures over the weekend, voters took advantage of polls being open all day Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

After the polls closed on Sunday, March 3, there were 952 total votes cast in Kingwood. Of those, 876 Republicans and 76 Democrats voted.

Kingwood voters have been averaging approximately 80 people a day since early voting began Feb. 23 said poll watcher Tony Geldens.

Not included in the early voting totals are the number of votes Kaufman's office has received by mail.

"We mailed out 2,000 ballots to Democrats and 14,024 to Republicans. So far, we have received 310 votes back from Democrats and 3,026 from Republicans."

Kaufman attributed increased numbers of early voters to an eager electorate.

"People in Kingwood just like to vote anyway," said Kaufman. "They always have a high turnout in that district. And voters don't want to wait until election day to go to the polls. Cypresswood is the same way."

The new e-Slate voting machines have made the old punch card ballot almost obsolete. Kaufman said that people enjoyed voting with the new device.

Many school districts in Harris County, including Humble ISD, will observe a week-long spring break beginning on March 11. With the primaries scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, Kaufman said the break could have an effect on overall voter turnout.

"Many people go out of town during the break. I'm sure turnout will not be as high in areas that are having school holidays," she noted. "But next week is crunch time. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., through Friday, March 8."

Kaufman added that compared to a general election, the number of voters have not been impressive.

"Based on the numbers right now, I think both parties might have a five percent turnout.

Several races have attracted the attention of voters such as the state representative election, U.S. Senate races and a widely publicized race for the Democratic nomination for state governor.

"You have an interesting race out there in Kingwood with the incumbent state representative facing two challengers," Kaufman said. "These are factors that effect turnout."